Jesuit Conference Issues Statement on the Humanitarian Crisis in Syria

We pray for all those suffering from displacement in Syria and neighboring countries. According to the United Nations, more than 230,000 Syrians have fled to neighboring countries over the past seventeen months, causing increased strain upon governments and local communities. Hundreds of thousands are displaced within Syria and lack access to the most basic amenities, and more than 1,000 people flee the country each day, with 100,000 fleeing in August alone. Altogether, the unrest in Syria has led to the displacement of approximately one million people. Many are wondering how best to assist.

The Society of Jesus is responding to the humanitarian crisis through support for Jesuit Refugee Service-Middle East in Syria and Jordan. The Jesuit Conference encourages support for these programs, outlined below.

JRS-Middle East in Syria:
JRS-Syria is active in Damascus, Aleppo and Homs. Following recent spikes in violence, JRS support in these cities currently consists mainly of distribution of food and other emergency supplies. JRS is also providing shelter to more than 10,000 displaced persons in Aleppo in six schools and to hundreds of displaced residents outside of Homs at the Jesuit Al Ard Centre. While many activities beyond emergency distribution have been halted for safety reasons, some education and psychosocial support activities have resumed.

JRS-Middle East in Jordan:
In addition to the refugees from Syria, Jordan is currently hosting approximately 30,000 refugees from Iraq, Somalia, and Sudan, mostly in Amman. JRS continues to serve refugees in Amman through an informal education program. JRS has also been active in other parts of northern Jordan, distributing emergency support and developing a family monitoring program.

JRS/USA is accepting donations to support these efforts at www.jrsusa.org/donate. Please clearly note “JRS Middle East” in the comment box. Donations can be made by phone by calling (202)629-5948. Checks can also be made out to Jesuit Refugee Service/USA with “JRS Middle East” written on the memo line and mailed to:

Jesuit Refugee Service / USA
Re: JRS Middle East
1016 16th Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036

We remain in solidarity with the people of the Middle East through this very difficult time.